Revolt over plan for Dagenham 1,500-inmate jail

Jack Straw came under growing pressure today to drop plans to build a 1,500-inmate prison in Dagenham.

The Justice Secretary was urged by local MP Jon Cruddas and council leader Liam Smith to rethink proposals for the category-B jail.

The Ministry of Justice has proposed building it on a 20-hectare site that used to be part of the Ford plant. But the council wants to use it for housing, health and community facilities and small businesses.

This week Mr Cruddas and Mr Smith handed a 15,000-name petition opposing the scheme to No 10.

Mr Cruddas said: "It's a residential area. The plan has been dropped on the area from a great height without proper consultation." The final decision is expected to be made by a planning inspector this year.